• The Old York Historical Society (“Old York”), celebrating its 125^th anniversary as a museum, seeks an energetic and engaged Executive Director to lead the organization to a new era of success. Old York stewards 10 historic buildings, including two designated National Historic Landmarks. In addition, Old York cares for and preserves one of the best collections of locally provenanced colonial artifacts in New England. Situated in the scenic oceanfront town of York in Southern Maine, the organization has long been an integral part of the local community. Old York is fortunate to have a stable financial base and now seeks a leader with dynamic fundraising abilities to engage the community and elevate the organization from stable to stellar. Old York has a dedicated and motivated board ready to support a forward move, along with an amazing and talented staff poised to make it happen.

  Key expectations for the Executive Director are:

  Be the face of Old York to all constituencies

• Effectively articulate Old York’s mission and the scope and value of its collections, properties, knowledge base and contributions to the community
• Enhance the organization’s identity and reputation; be a community leader
• In all interactions and as the primary advocate for Old York, be an active storyteller and listener, exhibit contagious enthusiasm, and nurture relationships of trust
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise in relevant history and museum operations 
  
  Identify and execute opportunities to grow Old York
• Lead and expand Old York’s fundraising and development activities to reach agreed upon goals. Demonstrate best practices in donor relations
• Expand financial resources through strategic development, creative programming, community engagement and other methods
• Implement the organization’s recently completed strategic plan, collaborating with the board and staff to prioritize action steps for maximum effectiveness
• Expand and optimize access to Old York’s resources, leading efforts to expand staffing, develop properties, digitize archive and objects collections, and reimagine interpreted spaces
• Strengthen and expand individual and organizational relationships; be a connection builder

• Develop mutually beneficial partnerships with local and regional organizations
  
  Manage Old York’s internal operations
• Be an active, strategic, and responsible steward of the organization’s resources
• Exhibit hands-on management of the organization’s administrative and facilities functions
• Oversee and support curatorial, preservation, finance, marketing, programming, education and visitor services activities, staff, and volunteers
• Create a professional, goal-oriented work environment that empowers and supports staff achievement through clear goals and priorities
• Develop and manage an annual operating budget as approved by the board; oversee endowment funds
• Maintain strong board relationships, emphasizing collaboration and transparency and adhering to the principles of non-profit governance

Particulars:

Position – Executive Director, Old York Historical Society Full-time, year-round, in-person located in York, Maine Starting date - January 2, 2026

Compensation - $75,000 salary, plus benefits

Qualifications:

Strong knowledge of, interest in, or experience in the history museum field

3-5 years of skillfully running a nonprofit organization or a department within one Proven staff development and management experience

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred Enthusiasm for and record of success in fundraising

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Application process:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three job-related references to oldyorkexec@gmail.com

Submission deadline – September 8, 2025

Old York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer